Assessment of Climate Change Vulnerability of Artisanal Fishing Communities in Coastal Anambra State

Climate change is altering rainfall patterns, river discharge regimes, and flooding frequency in Nigeria's inland and coastal river systems, with profound implications for artisanal fishing community livelihoods. This study assessed the climate change vulnerability of artisanal fishing communities along the Anambra River in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach combined a household survey administered to 180 fishing households with trend analysis of 30-year rainfall and river discharge data from NIMET. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change community vulnerability assessment framework was adapted and applied, evaluating exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity dimensions. Qualitative data on perceived climate risks and adaptive strategies were collected through focus group discussions. Results indicated that communities in the lower Anambra River floodplain have experienced increased flooding frequency and intensity over the past decade, consistent with observed increases in peak river discharge. Dry season duration has lengthened, reducing the duration of productive inundated fishing areas. Fish catch variability has increased, and three communities reported complete seasonal displacement due to extreme flooding events in 2022 and 2023. Adaptive capacity was lowest among female-headed fishing households and elderly fishers. Common adaptive strategies included livelihood diversification, seasonal relocation, and gear modification. The overall vulnerability score was classified as high for six of eight communities assessed. The study recommends climate-adaptive fisheries extension services, flood-resilient community infrastructure, and integration of climate risk into fisheries management plans. Keywords: climate change vulnerability, artisanal fisheries, Anambra State, floodplain, adaptive capacity.